Switch Mode vs. Linear Power Supplies | Scope Talk | Carl Martin DC Factory

Carl Martin’s DC Factory is a high-quality switch mode power supply. If you ever wondered what a switch mode power supply is, and what the differences and advantages are compared to traditional, transformer-based power supplies, you’ve come to the right place!

[i.shadrin]

Probably best explanation on YouTube! Thank you

[jutukka]

Well, the output of REGULATED linear power supply does NOT vary according to the mains voltage if mains voltage varies in normal limits. The idea of regulator is to eliminate that kind of effects.

The most unpleasant thing about switching power supplys is that there usually is huge ac voltage between the DC output and mains safety ground. If you don't believe, just take a DMM and measure it.
It is dangerous especially when connecting devices and causes very annoying problems. For example when powering up a midi keyboard USB connected into a laptop or a PC which is using USB soundcard. In that situation the only way to get rid of totally crazy ground loop kind of hum between USB-connected MIDI keyboard and USB-connected soundcard (and devices connected to it) is to use regulated linear power supply to power up the midi keyboard.
If you use traditional linear power supply, the transformer isolates the output and there never is high voltages between DC output and mains safety ground.